When I began this journey of the #write31days challenge, I was feel a little uneasy, a little scared and very vulnerable. Yet my heart knew that I needed to do this. I need to continue to help spread the awareness of Mental illness and the affects it has on families etc.
Since October of 1990, the first full week of October is Mental Illness Awareness week. Mental Illness is an important issue that we need to talk more about. On the NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) website, they state this as the purpose of Mental Health Awareness week–“Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental
health condition. During the first full week of October, NAMI and participants
across the country are bringing awareness to mental illness. Each year we fight
stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care. Each
year, the movement grows stronger. We believe that these issues are important to address year round, but
highlighting these issues during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a time
for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those
working to improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans affected by
mental illness.”
That is exactly my hope and goal for this series to bring education, understanding and to break the stigma associated with the illness. I am doing this for my mom, my other family members and all those who daily struggle with a mental illness. So this week would you please take some time to hear a mental health story or educate more about mental health in your community and your churches? I would be forever grateful and thankful! You can find more information on the NAMI website, www.nami.org.
And to read more of my families story about mental illness, you can go to the links below:
I Am A Daughter
I Am A Daughter; Part Two
Tara,
Mental illness is vet close and very to me. My husband was diagnosed with schizo-affective bi-polar disorder several years ago. Each and very day is a struggle but by the grace of God we get through it. Thanks for being brave and bringing awareness to mental illness through your blog!
How on earth did I not know about this? Thank you for posting about it. I'm definitely going to make a mention of it on my blog. Education about this is so important and sadly, we have a very long way to go in some areas. You are so awesome, my friend. Thank you for continuing to share your story. I am so glad that we've connected through this 31 Days challenge ((((hugs))))
Pax Christi!